NASHVILLE, Tenn.—After separating his non-throwing (left) shoulder on Sunday, Titans quarterback Jake Locker returned to practice this week and declared himself a go for this Sunday’s game at San Diego.

Now, the Titans need to take more off his shoulders.

Titans QB Jake Locker is injured but expects to start for Tennessee on Sunday. (AP Photo)

Locker turned in a winning performance in a 34-13 loss to the Patriots, completing 23-of-32 passes for 229 yards and a touchdown. But he made two costly mistakes—an interception in the end zone and a fumble that was picked up and returned for a touchdown.

Moving forward, the Titans can’t keep asking Locker to do so much. They need running back Chris Johnson and the team’s offensive line to get on track, and the defense better find a way to stop opposing quarterbacks.

The latter won’t be easy. After Sunday’s game against Philip Rivers and the Chargers, the Titans will face dangerous quarterbacks in Matthew Stafford (Lions) and Matt Schaub (Texans).

Wimbley fulfills expectations

Titans defensive end Kamerion Wimbley had a four-sack game against the Chargers last November, and he’ll be facing a rookie left tackle in Mike Harris on Sunday.

The veteran Wimbley has been a positive influence in the locker room, but he’s also been the team’s best defensive lineman so far. It was just what the Titans had in mind after giving him a $35 million contract. Wimbley had one sack against New England.